Joann Margaret Pirofalo

Joann was born in Seattle, Washington on April 14, 1944, to Joseph and Marie Eagen, of Montana. She was the eldest of four children. Joann had two younger sisters, Agnes and Judy, and a brother, Michael, who was the youngest of the family. As the oldest child of a Navy dad subject to lengthy departures at sea and daughter of a nurse, she was thrust into the role of caregiver to her siblings. A role which she would later fulfill as a wife and mother to her own family.

Joann was nurtured and educated in a devout Catholic family and benefited from a parochial education in elementary, middle and high school years. She was a highly intelligent, dedicated, and successful student resulting in high marks and received a scholarship to attend San Diego State University. Blossoming into a bright, beautiful, and caring young lady, Joann developed a deep sincerity of character, a sweet disposition and devotion to family.

Joann dedicated herself to her husband, Phil, and raised her two children, Matt and Julie, with strength, courage, warmth, love and affection. She loved her home and enjoyed decorating, finding just the right pieces for every nook and cranny. Her warmth was sprinkled throughout the house as a reminder of all that she loved. Her generous spirit could be felt by anyone she spent time with. She was a good listener, a trusted confidant, and always provided sound advice without bias.

As her children grew older, Joann began working at Hallmark and quickly moved into a management position. She was well respected and loved by the owners and her colleagues. Her attention to detail, love of stationery and fine gifts, and earnest desire to do a good job contributed to her promotion as District Manager, responsible for eight Hallmark stores across San Diego. Joann retired from Hallmark to enjoy time with family and relish her soon to be greatest joy, becoming a grandmother.

Joann loved her grandchildren immensely, caring for her granddaughters Emma and Sophia throughout the week while their parents worked. As each grandchild was born through the years, she was readily available to lend a helping hand. She had a special bond with her six grandchildren and made time to get to know each of them. Her home was always fully stocked with their favorite snacks and toys; however, they most loved her hugs, her unlimited love, chatting while sitting on her lap, playing games and singing a silly song she made up. We can still hear her say to the kids, “Come sit with Grandma” or “Let’s play Go Fish” as she welcomed them with open arms. She provided comfort, love, and safety to each of them throughout their younger years. As her grandchildren grew older and even into her declining health, she made sure she stayed connected to each of them and valued their individual relationships. Her love for her grandchildren had no bounds and is a testament to her unfailing love of family.

Joann found a creative outlet in painting. She preferred watercolor to acrylic, and developed her skill taking courses and occasionally selling her work at art shows. She preferred gifting her artwork to family and friends often using pictures of places visited as inspiration. Her most famous accomplishments were her Christmas cards in which she painted, printed, and wrote the sweet note inside. Each year, family and friends looked forward to her beautiful cards so lovingly created by hand.

In her later life Joann was beset by a series of diseases from pulmonary and endocrine through cardiac and medicinal side effect deterioration. With her husband by her side, she battled tenaciously for over 20 years with these ailments and the great vital force of her will to live. As her life force ebbed during this final year, she never lost her indomitable spirit nor her courage to continue the fight. During these trials, she continued to remain optimistic for a cure and selflessly care and express her love for her family. Joann withstood great physiological suffering through many battles of the chronic disease and is deserving of great praise for her tenacity and will to survive.

Joann is survived by her husband, Phil Pirofalo, her two children, Matt (Jacqui) Pirofalo and Julie (Phil) Anderson, her six grandchildren, Emma, Sophia, Stephen, Carly, Libby, and Jack, as well as her sister Judy Helfand.

A visitation for Joann will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 8am to 11am at the Chapel of the Roses located in the center of Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Rd, Bonita, CA 91902 and a funeral will follow in the Chapel of Roses from 11 to 12pm. A committal service will follow funeral services at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 from 1:15 to 1:45.